2012 KIA Forte Transaxle

What to do in an emergency
86
F070200AFD
Removing and storing the spare
tire
Turn the tire hold-down wing bolt
counterclockwise.
Store the tire in the reverse order of
removal.
To prevent the spare tire and tools
from “rattling” while the vehicle is in
motion, store them properly.
F070300ATD-EU
Changing tires
1. Park on a level surface and applythe parking brake firmly.
2. Shift the shift lever into R (Reverse) for manual transaxle or
P (Park) for automatic transaxle.
3. Activate the hazard warning flash- er.
ONF068004
(Continued)
The vehicle can easily roll offthe jack causing serious
injury or death. No person
should place any portion of
their body under a vehicle that
is supported only by a jack;
use vehicle support stands.
Do not start or run the engine while the vehicle is on the
jack.
Do not allow anyone to remain in the vehicle while it is on the
jack.
Make sure any children pres- ent are in a secure place away
from the road and from the
vehicle to be raised with the
jack.
OED066033

What to do in an emergency
16
6
When towing your vehicle in an emer-
gency without wheel dollies :
1. Set the ignition switch in the ACC posi-
tion.
2. Place the transaxle shift lever in N (Neutral).
3. Release the parking brake.
F080300ATD-EU
Emergency towing
If towing is necessary, we recommend
you to have it done by an authorized
KIA dealer or a commercial tow truck
service. If towing service is not available in an
emergency, your vehicle may be tem-
porarily towed using a cable or chain
secured to the emergency towing hook
under the front (or rear) of the vehicle.
Use extreme caution when towing the
vehicle. A driver must be in the vehicle to
steer it and operate the brakes.
Towing in this manner may be done only
on hard-surfaced roads for a short dis-
tance and at low speeds. Also, the
wheels, axles, power train, steering and
brakes must all be in good condition.
Do not use the towing hooks to pull a
vehicle out of mud, sand or other con-
ditions from which the vehicle cannot
be driven out under its own power.
Avoid towing a vehicle heavier than the vehicle doing the towing.
The drivers of both vehicles should communicate with each other frequent-
ly.
CAUTION
Failure to place the transaxle shiftlever in N (Neutral) may cause inter- nal damage to the transaxle.OHD066005
OMG065013
Front
Rear (if equipped)

What to do in an emergency
18
6
F080301AUN-EU
Emergency towing precautions
Turn the ignition switch to ACC so the
steering wheel isn’t locked.
Place the transaxle shift lever in N (Neutral).
Release the parking brake.
Press the brake pedal with more force than normal since you will have
reduced brake performance.
More steering effort will be required because the power steering system
will be disabled.
If you are driving down a long hill, the brakes may overheat and brake per-
formance will be reduced. Stop often
and let the brakes cool off.
F080400ATD
Tie-down hook
(for flatbed towing, if equipped)
CAUTION - Automatictransaxle
If the car is being towed with all
four wheels on the ground, it canbe towed only from the front. Besure that the transaxle is in neu-tral. Be sure the steering is unlocked by placing the ignitionswitch in the ACC position. Adriver must be in the towed vehi-cle to operate the steering andbrakes.
To avoid serious damage to the automatic transaxle, limit thevehicle speed to 15 km/h (10 mph)and drive less than 1.5 km (1mile) when towing.
Before towing, check the auto- matic transaxle fluid leak underyour vehicle. If the automatic transaxle fluid is leaking, aflatbed equipment or towing dollymust be used.
WARNING
Do not use the tie-down hooks for
towing purposes. These hooks are
designed ONLY for transport tie-
down. If the tie-down hooks are
used for towing, the tie-down hooks
or front bumper will be damaged
and this could lead to serious
injury.
OTD069013N

7
Engine compartment / 7-2
Maintenance services / 7-3
Owner maintenance / 7-4
Maintenance schedule / 7-6
Explanation of scheduled maintenance items / 7-21
Engine oil / 7-24
Engine coolant / 7-25
Brake/clutch fluid / 7-28
Power steering fluid / 7-29
Automatic transaxle fluid / 7-30
Washer fluid / 7-30
Parking brake / 7-31
Air cleaner / 7-31
Climate control air filter / 7-32
Wiper blades / 7-32
Battery / 7-34
Tires and wheels / 7-37
Fuses / 7-50
Appearance care / 7-59
Emission control system / 7-65
Maintenance

75
Maintenance
G030102ATD
While operating your vehicle:
Note any changes in the sound of theexhaust or any smell of exhaust fumes
in the vehicle.
Check for vibrations in the steering wheel. Notice any increased steering
effort or looseness in the steering
wheel, or change in its straight-ahead
position.
Notice if your vehicle constantly turns slightly or “pulls” to one side when trav-
eling on smooth, level road.
When stopping, listen and check for unusual sounds, pulling to one side,
increased brake pedal travel or “hard-
to-push” brake pedal.
If any slipping or changes in the oper- ation of your transaxle occurs, check
the transaxle fluid level.
Check the automatic transaxle P (Park) function.
Check the parking brake.
Check for fluid leaks under your vehicle (water dripping from the air condition-
ing system during or after use is nor-
mal).
G030103AHM
At least monthly:
Check the coolant level in the enginecoolant reservoir.
Check the operation of all exterior lights, including the stoplights, turn sig-
nals and hazard warning flashers.
Check the inflation pressures of all tires including the spare.
G030104AHM
At least twice a year (i.e., every Spring and Fall) :
Check the radiator, heater and air con- ditioning hoses for leaks or damage.
Check the windshield washer spray and wiper operation. Clean the wiper
blades with clean cloth dampened with
washer fluid.
Check the headlight alignment.
Check the muffler, exhaust pipes, shields and clamps.
Check the lap/shoulder belts for wear and function.
Check for worn tires and loose wheel lug nuts.
G030105ATD
At least once a year :
Clean the body and door drain holes.
Lubricate the door hinges and checks,and hood hinges.
Lubricate the door and hood locks and latches.
Lubricate the door rubber weather- strips.
Check the air conditioning system.
Check the power steering fluid level.
Inspect and lubricate automatic transaxle linkage and controls.
Clean the battery and terminals.
Check the brake/clutch fluid level.

79
Maintenance
(Continued)
❑Inspect rear brake disc/pads
❑Inspect steering gear box, linkage & boots/lower arm ball joint,
upper arm ball joint
❑ Inspect suspension mounting bolts
❑Inspect vacuum hose
❑Replace climate control air filter (if equipped)
❑Replace engine oil and filter
(72,000 km (45,000 miles) or 72 months)
❑ Inspect add fuel additive (12,000 or 12 months) *3
❑Inspect battery condition
❑Inspect cooling system hoses and connections
❑Inspect clutch (if equipped) and brake pedal free play
❑Inspect all latch, hinges and locks
72,000 km (45,000 miles) or 36 months
❑Rotate tires - including tire pressure and tread wear
(Every 12,000 km or 12 months)
❑ Inspect air cleaner filter
❑Inspect air conditioning refrigerant
❑Inspect brake lines, hoses and connections (including booster)
❑Inspect drive shafts and boots
❑Inspect exhaust pipe and muffler
❑Inspect front brake disc/pads, calipers
❑Inspect power steering fluid and lines (if equipped)
❑Inspect power steering pump, belt and hoses (if equipped)
(Continued)
NORMAL MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE (CONT.)
60,000 km (37,500 miles) or 30 months
❑Rotate tires - including tire pressure and tread wear
(Every 12,000 km or 12 months)
❑ Inspect air cleaner filter
❑Inspect vacuum hose
❑Replace engine oil and filter
(60,000 km (37,500 miles) or 60 months)
❑ Inspect add fuel additive (12,000 or 12 months) *3
❑Inspect battery condition
❑Inspect cooling system hoses and connections
❑Inspect clutch (if equipped) and brake pedal free play
❑Inspect manual transaxle fluid (if equipped)
(Every 60,000 km or 48 months)
*3: If TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline is not available, one bottle of additive is rec-
ommended. Additives are available from your authorized KIA dealer along
with information on how to use them. Do not mix other additives.

Maintenance
12
7
(Continued)
❑ Inspect suspension mounting bolts
❑Inspect vacuum hose
❑Replace climate control air filter (if equipped)
❑Replace engine oil and filter
(120,000 km (75,000 miles) or 120 months)
❑Inspect drive belt *4
(First, 96,000 km or 72 months
after every 24,000 km or 24 months)
❑ Inspect add fuel additive (12,000 or 12 months) *3
❑Inspect battery condition
❑Inspect cooling system hoses and connections
❑Inspect clutch (if equipped) and brake pedal free play
❑Inspect manual transaxle fluid (if equipped)
(Every 60,000 km or 48 months)
❑ Inspect all latch, hinges and locks
120,000 km (75,000 miles) or 60 months
❑Rotate tires - including tire pressure and tread wear
(Every 12,000 km or 12 months)
❑ Inspect air cleaner filter
❑Inspect air conditioning refrigerant
❑Inspect brake lines, hoses and connections (including booster)
❑Inspect drive shafts and boots
❑Inspect exhaust pipe and muffler
❑Inspect front brake disc/pads, calipers
❑Inspect power steering fluid and lines (if equipped)
❑Inspect power steering pump, belt and hoses (if equipped)
❑ Inspect rear brake disc/pads
❑Inspect steering gear box, linkage & boots/lower arm ball joint,
upper arm ball joint
(Continued)
108,000 km (67,500 miles) or 54 months
❑Rotate tires - including tire pressure and tread wear
(Every 12,000 km or 12 months)
❑ Inspect air cleaner filter
❑Inspect vacuum hose
❑Replace engine oil and filter
(108,000 km (67,500 miles) or 108 months)
❑ Inspect add fuel additive (12,000 or 12 months) *3
❑Inspect battery condition
❑Inspect cooling system hoses and connections
❑Inspect clutch (if equipped) and brake pedal free play
NORMAL MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE (CONT.)
*3: If TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline is not available, one bottle of additive is rec-
ommended. Additives are available from your authorized KIA dealer along
with information on how to use them. Do not mix other additives.
*
4: The drive belt should be replaced when cracks occur or tension is reduced excessively.

15
Maintenance
NORMAL MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE (CONT.)
180,000 km (112,500 miles) or 90 months
❑Rotate tires - including tire pressure and tread wear
(Every 12,000 km or 12 months)
❑ Inspect air cleaner filter
❑Inspect vacuum hose
❑Replace engine oil and filter
(180,000 km (112,500 miles) or 180 months)
❑ Inspect add fuel additive (12,000 or 12 months) *3
❑Inspect battery condition
❑Inspect cooling system hoses and connections
❑Inspect clutch (if equipped) and brake pedal free play
❑Inspect manual transaxle fluid (if equipped)
(Every 60,000 km or 48 months)
192,000 km (120,000 miles) or 96 months
❑Rotate tires - including tire pressure and tread wear
(Every 12,000 km or 12 months)
❑ Inspect air conditioning refrigerant
❑Inspect brake fluid / clutch (if equipped) fluid
❑ Inspect brake lines, hoses and connections (including booster)
❑Inspect drive shafts and boots
❑Inspect exhaust pipe and muffler
❑Inspect front brake disc/pads, calipers
❑Inspect fuel filter *1
❑Inspect fuel tank, cap, canister, fuel lines, fuel hoses, connections
and vapor hose
(Continued)
(Continued)
❑ Inspect fuel tank air filter (if equipped) *1
❑Inspect parking brake
❑Inspect power steering fluid and lines (if equipped)
❑Inspect power steering pump, belt and hoses (if equipped)
❑ Inspect rear brake disc/pads
❑Inspect steering gear box, linkage & boots/lower arm ball joint,
upper arm ball joint
❑ Inspect suspension mounting bolts
❑Inspect vacuum hose
❑Inspect vapor hose and fuel filler cap
❑Inspect valve clearance *2
❑Replace air cleaner filter
❑Replace climate control air filter (if equipped)
❑Replace engine coolant *5(First, 192,000 km (120,000 miles) or
120 months after every 48,000 km (30,000 miles) or 24 months)
(Continued)
*1: Fuel filter & Fuel tank air filter are considered to be maintenance free\
but periodic inspection is recommended for this maintenance schedule depends
on fuel quality. If there are some important safety matters like fuel flow
restriction, surging, loss of power, hard starting problem etc, replace the fuel
filter immediately regardless of maintenance schedule and consult an aut\
hor-
ized KIA dealer for details.
*
2: Inspect for excessive tappet noise and/or engine vibration and adjust if nec- essary.
*
3: If TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline is not available, one bottle of additive is rec- ommended. Additives are available from your authorized KIA dealer along
with information on how to use them. Do not mix other additives.
*
5: When replacing coolant, use only a qualified coolant additive for your vehicle and never mix hard water in the coolant filled at the factory. An improper
coolant mixture can result in serious malfunction or engine damage.
7